TheWanderingFarah: Philippines: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Puerto Galera is the north-westernmost municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. It is located at the south-western end of the Isla Verde Passage, about 130 kilometers south of Manila. It is mainly accessible from the Southern Luzon port of Batangas, which is acting as a gateway to the city.

23rd February 2016

Since Livie was leaving on the same morning, I shared tricycle with her and our new friend, Livea to Mabini Intersection where jeepney had been waiting for us. We separated our ways at Batangas city where Livea and I took tricycle to Batangas Pier. It was a shock to face such crowded pier when I arrived. Touts were everywhere. They kept on tailing us and persuasively asking us to buy the boat ticket from them. Not too naïve, we walked towards the ticket counter to get my ticket to Puerto Galera. We managed to get our ticket PHP260 including the terminal fee. The boat trip took around one hour. We had to pay environmental fee for PHP50 once we reached Puerto Galera.

Since I had booked for three nights at Reynaldos, I walked down the path along the beach to find the place. Unfortunately, they messed up with my check in date. I had to find another room for the first night in Puerto Galera. I was told to come back a day after. After discussing with Livea, we eventually agreed to share the room. Both of us went hunting for the room to sleep. After wandering for quite some time, we managed to find a room at Pink n' Black. The place was barely okay. Without much complaint, I unpacked my things.

I took jeepney to see the bustling town of Puerto Galera. Turned out the town is just another typical Filipino town. A few shops, eateries and bars. I found none of the local eateries serve muslim food. I decided to buy the classic white loaf and ate it with nutella and spicy dried anchovies.

Saviour of the day

Sabang's sunset

24th February 2016

On the next day, I was surprised that the entire beach at Sabang was lined up with dive shops. I noticed that Aqua Lung is a common brand in Sabang and most of the equipments are cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur. I grabbed a mesh bag that could fit my fins that I had been eyeing for months. It costs me PHP498.

I astounded to know that Sabang is known as Puerto Galera's Red Light District with a hectic nightlife. Because of that, I personally didn't feel much vibes in Sabang. Furthermore, Sabang did not have beach where one could lie down and take a sunbath.

25th February 2016

I went to see the majestic beauty of Puerto Galera, the Tamaraw Falls. I catched jeepney to the waterfall for a fare of PHP50. It is a beautiful series of waterfalls located just off the island's main road. The best thing about getting here was the lush tropical scenery along the way. The waterfall is 128 meters tall and make up the larger waterfall that flows down the mountain.